Johansen comments on Celtic captaincy, says three other players equally important

Stefan Johansen's importance to the Celtic side was highlighted as he was awarded the captaincy in Scott Brown's absence.

Celtic did not miss the suspended Brown, winning 2-0 against Partick Thistle thanks to a Kris Commons penalty, and Johansen himself getting on the scoresheet.

Speaking after the game to the club's official website, Johansen said: "I was vice-captain at Stromsgodset but a big honour to be captain at a club like Celtic, proud to be that.

"Broony is the captain, but we all need to be leaders out there. Guys like Virgil, Nir and Jason, everyone is always talking.

"He (manager Ronny Deila) told me this morning, you prepare yourself as normal but I was honoured when he told me."

Johansen is turning out to be one of the club's best signings in recent seasons, and it was typical of him that he was able to step up and produce a goal in his first game as captain for the club.

His comment regarding Virgil van Dijk, Nir Bitton and Jason Denayer was telling, in explaining the number of leaders Celtic have in their team.

Other sides may be fortunate to have a couple of natural leaders, but Celtic have several, and this is clearly key to their togetherness and success so far this season as they work towards a treble win.

Johansen went onto add that he and his teammates were communicating on the pitch about the way in which they press the opposition, commenting: "It's small details but the whole team is good at it."

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
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